Description
This Korean Ground Beef dish is a quick and delicious meal featuring savory ground beef cooked in a flavorful sauce of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Served over rice and topped with green onions and sesame seeds, its perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
- Optional: sliced cucumbers or pickled vegetables for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. A non-stick skillet is recommended for easy cleanup.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
- Drain any excess fat if necessary, leaving a little for flavor if desired.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Stir well to coat the beef and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the chopped green onions to the skillet, reserving some for garnish. Stir and cook for an additional minute.
- While the beef mixture simmers, prepare your rice according to package instructions. Jasmine or sticky rice works well.
- Spoon a generous amount of the Korean ground beef mixture over a serving of rice, ensuring some sauce is included.
- Garnish with reserved green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Optionally, serve with sliced cucumbers or pickled vegetables on the side for added crunch.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Incorporate diced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas into the beef mixture for added vegetables.
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a low-carb option, serve the beef mixture over cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes